With the right advisor, the process can be far less painful and more affordable than you might imagine.
Millions of Americans fail to file their
individual income tax returns each year. Some of these people have
perfectly reasonable explanations for why they did not file and pay.
Perhaps they were seriously ill or they were travelling abroad. Of
course, the most common explanation for these so-called non-filers is
that they simply could not afford their tax bills. Unfortunately for
those people, failure to file federal income taxes is a criminal
offense.
On the bright side, the IRS seldom prosecutes taxpayers
who voluntarily file back tax returns. This is not out of altruism. The
IRS is as tough as it has ever been. But the powerful tax collection
agency understands it is cheaper to “encourage” people to re-enter the
system than it is to chase them underground for failing to file.
However, the IRS will eventually act if you refuse to file your tax
return.
Delinquent tax returnsBecause they receive
income reports from employers, the IRS can create and file substitute
tax returns if you fail to file your own. IRS revenue personnel will
then determine your total
tax debt
and contact you directly, either by phone or by mail for payment. If
you fail to pay these estimated back taxes, the agency will get deadly
serious. They may ultimately freeze your bank accounts, garnish your
wages, and seize your personal possessions.
How to file back taxesOne
reason why most people stay out of the system after missing a tax
return or two is because they do not have accurate financial records.
Maybe they lost them in a move or simply neglected to keep them.
Whatever the reason, copies of past income statements can be obtained
from the IRS. These figures can then be used to complete and file past
tax returns. Taxpayers can often obtain mortgage interest statements
from their lender and can generally order old bank statements when
figuring deductions from the past.
Talk to a professionalWhen
you have the opportunity to make good on your tax debt, it is always a
good idea to take it. We strongly suggest that you contact an
experienced
tax representative
and have him file your past returns for you. After the missing returns
have been submitted, your tax representative will interact with the IRS
on your behalf. He will handle all communications with the IRS in an
attempt to negotiate a manageable payment plan, or even a tax settlement
if you qualify.
Owing back taxes is not the end of the world, in
fact, it isn’t even uncommon. More than twenty million Americans owe
money to the IRS. Many of them receive a Failure to File Notice in the
mail years after the tax return in question was due. This seemingly
scary missive is essentially a second chance. When the IRS asks you to
file a missing tax return, it is best to oblige them.
A talented
tax representative can help you file back taxes before the IRS takes
steps to recover an outstanding tax debt. With the right advisor, the
process can be far less painful and more affordable than you might
imagine.
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